Forklift Accident Lawyers
Operating a forklift is essential for many industries but comes with significant risks. Forklift accidents can lead to serious injuries, fatalities, and substantial financial and emotional hardships for workers and their families. At Palace Law, we are committed to helping injured forklift operators pursue the compensation they need to recover and move forward.
The Dangers of Forklift Operation
Forklift-related accidents are a leading cause of workplace injuries in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that approximately 85 forklift fatalities and 34,900 serious injuries occur annually in the United States. Other statistics highlight the following dangers:
- Rollovers are the most common type of forklift accident, accounting for 24% of all accidents.
- Collisions and accidents caused by falling loads are common and can lead to life-altering injuries.
- About 36% of forklift-related deaths are pedestrians.
- About 36% of forklift-related deaths are pedestrians.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a forklift accident, Palace Law is here to provide legal guidance and support. Call us today for a FREE initial consultation.
Common Types of Forklift Accidents
Forklift accidents can occur in various ways, including but not limited to:
- Overturns: One of the most dangerous types of forklift accidents, overturns often occur due to uneven surfaces, excessive speed, or improperly balanced loads.
- Struck by Forklift: Workers on foot may be hit by moving forklifts, often resulting from limited visibility or unsafe operating conditions.
- Falling Loads: Improperly secured or balanced loads can fall from forklifts, causing serious injury or death.
- Mechanical Failures: Poor maintenance and defective parts can cause brakes, steering systems, or hydraulic functions to fail.
- Falls from Forklift Platforms: Operators or other workers may fall when elevated on platforms attached to forklifts.
- Collisions: Forklifts can collide with other vehicles, equipment, or structures in busy industrial environments.
Determining Liability in Forklift Accidents
Determining who is responsible for a forklift accident can be complex. Liability may fall on various parties depending on the circumstances of the accident:
Employer Liability
Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment, ensuring operators receive proper training, and maintaining equipment. If the employer failed to uphold these responsibilities, they could be held liable for accidents.
Forklift Manufacturer Liability
If a defect in the design, manufacturing, or maintenance instructions of the forklift caused the accident, the manufacturer might be held accountable.
Third-Party Liability
Other entities, such as contractors, maintenance companies, or vendors operating on the premises, may share liability if their negligence contributed to the accident.
Multiple Liable Parties
Like other workplace accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility. For example, if both the employer and the equipment manufacturer failed to uphold safety standards, they could be jointly liable.
How Forklift Accident Claims Work
Filing a claim after a forklift accident typically involves navigating the following:
- Workers' Compensation: Injured forklift operators may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, including medical expenses and partial wage replacement. However, workers' comp does not cover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
- Third-Party Claims: When a third party is responsible for the accident, victims may pursue additional compensation beyond workers' comp, including full wage reimbursement, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Product Liability Claims: If a defective forklift caused the injury, filing a product liability lawsuit may be appropriate.
Common Injuries in Forklift Accidents
Forklift accidents can cause devastating injuries, including:
- Crush Injuries: When operators or workers are pinned by the forklift.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Resulting from falls or collisions.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Often leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Common in overturn and collision accidents.
- Amputations: Severe accidents can result in the loss of limbs.
- Lacerations and Burns: Caused by sharp edges or fires associated with equipment malfunctions.
How Palace Law Can Help
At Palace Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll forklift accidents can take. Our experienced legal team can help you in the following ways:
- Comprehensive Investigation: We thoroughly investigate the accident to determine its cause and identify all liable parties.
- Workers' Compensation Assistance: We help you navigate the workers' comp process to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
- Third-Party and Product Liability Claims: We explore all possible avenues for compensation beyond workers' compensation.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We handle all communications and negotiations with insurers, protecting your rights and interests.
- Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Why Choose Palace Law?
Palace Law is built on the belief that every injured worker deserves top-quality legal representation. Our commitment to forklift accident victims includes:
- Proven Results: We have a strong track record of recovering compensation for injured workers.
- Personalized Attention: We treat every case as unique and tailor our strategies to your specific needs.
- Compassionate Support: We understand the challenges you face and are here to guide you every step of the way.
- No Fees Unless You Win: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Get the Help You Deserve
If you have been injured in a forklift accident, don't face the challenges alone. Let Palace Law fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Contact us at (253) 544-5935 if you've been injured or lost a loved one in a forklift accident.
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- Natalie S.
I had an outstanding experience working with Ciana on a personal injury matter. Without her expertise, I would have never realized that I even had a case. Ciana’s attention to detail and deep understanding of personal injury law were invaluable. She guided me through every step with professionalism and care, ensuring I understood the process and felt supported. Thanks to her diligence and expertise, what could have been overlooked became a well-handled case. I highly recommend Ciana to anyone needing a knowledgeable and dedicated legal professional.
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- Jay R.
Hailey was super helpful and communication was always prompt and professional. Thank you for all your hard work Hailey and the rest of the team at Palace law.
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- Former Client
They are an amazing team and made my case an easy process to cope with. They stayed in great communication with me every step of the way and fought to maximize my profit. Palace Law is hands down THE BEST law firm I’ve dealt with. Attorney John H and assistant Hailey make an amazing team.
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- Sharon R.
I highly recommend Palace Law for your work place injury. I would definitely use them again but hopefully I won’t have to.
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- John A.
I’ve spent the last 7 years working with them and it hasn’t been a easy ride but they work very hard to get the best outcome for there clients. Sandra has done an outstanding job keeping me informed of the process and keeping me feel safe and secure with my future. I couldn’t of asked for a better person and team to help me during this stressful time and working hard to get me what I deserved.
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- Chad F.
Exceptional legal representation! My experience with Kim was outstanding. She was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to ensuring I received the outcome I deserved. Kim’s communication throughout the process was clear and timely, providing me with peace of mind during a challenging time.
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- Kelly Y.
Aria has been working with me and she is very thorough. I don’t get good sleep at night because of my injury but knowing that Palace Law is on the job gives me peace of mind specially, when they have employees like Aria thanks for letting me give my feedback and putting me in a position to give feedback.
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- Jacob H.
They have been entirely helpful since they accepted my case. Thorough and informative every step of the way. When I had an IME and no gas in my car they arranged for a ride to and from. After fighting tooth and nail myself with little to no results Palace Law stepped in and immediately Sedgwick stopped dragging me through the mud.
